Dry spell continues in Himachal Pardesh

Shimla, Nov 21 (PTI) The ongoing dry spell has cast a shadow on sowing of Rabi crop in Himachal Pradesh, causing anxiety to farmers. The south-west monsoon had ended with 26 per cent rain deficit and from October 1 to November 21 the deficit was 90 per cent, leading to a lack of moisture i

The south-west monsoon had ended with 26 per cent rain deficit and from October 1 to November 21 the deficit was 90 per cent, leading to a lack of moisture in the soil for sowing of rabbi crop, particularly vegetables.

Normally 50 per cent of rabbi sowing is completed by mid November but this year the sowing is less than 15 per cent in several areas and farmers are worried as a further delay in rains would be detrimental for a good crop, Agriculture Department sources said.

The state received only 5.3 mm rains against normal of 51.3 mm and barring Bilaspur and Mandi districts, which received 74 and 75 per cent less rains, the deficit ranged from 85 to 99 per cent in other districts.

The mid-hills are reeling under severe cold wave conditions with mercury dipping to 2 degrees Celsius at Bajaura and 4.5 degrees at Sundernagar and Bhuntar.

Temperatures dipped to 5.5 degrees at Manali and Solan and 8.5 degrees at Palampur. However, Shimla and Dharamshala were warmer with a low of 10.3 degrees and 12.4 degrees Celsius respectively. Una and Nahan recorded a low of 9.3 degrees and 10.8 degrees Celsius respectively.